British brick-and-mortar stores continue to play a critical role in retail, despite job cuts, says Tryzens

Andy Burton, CEO of Tryzens, comments on the news that Britain’s largest businesses have cut 50,000 jobs in the last six months as high street shops struggle against online rivals

“The high number of job cuts reported in the retail sector is unfortunate and could be considered devastating for the sector. However, retailers must not be deterred by the rise in retail causalities as the brick-and-mortar high street stores will continue to play a critical role in the future of retail.”

The report reiterates the often-held belief that there is effectively a battle between brick and mortars and online retailers, when in fact they are different faces of the same coin. Although there is no denying that online consumer spending is growing whilst traditional stores are struggling to maintain share of market, Tryzens’ recent research showed consumers still value and engage in stores for the physical experience of seeing, trying-on or testing products. For example 62% of consumers still prefer to try clothes in-store before buying them online, indicating the importance of the in-store experience to support online purchases (showrooming).”

“Despite the tough tide, there is an opportunity for retailers to come out on top. Retailers with physical stores can build rich experiences with their customers by taking advantage of customer touch points to create personalised offerings while engaging with shoppers that seek a touch & feel experience before purchasing, such as real-life try-on of garments. Therefore, retailers that marry their online and in-store offerings, including click and collect, loyalty schemes and common promotions across channels, enable the provision of new personalised service and tailored experiences that are contextually aware and consistent across in-store and online engagement.

Whilst there have been high-profile failures, there are equally plenty of success stories in the market where Brands have considered the symbiotic relationship of online and in-store shopping to ensure they work well together. Key store locations have been proven to drive online awareness in a locality and online engagement can be used effectively to drive activity with stores. The challenge is not about the decline of the high street store but rather is all about their reinvention for a digitally savvy consumer. We will see more creative ways of leveraging technology in-store and over the internet to drive exceptional customer experiences through concepts such as ‘retailtainment’, gamification and AI – so the future is healthy if the strategy is right and the retailer or Brand is flexible to change,” concludes Burton.